For Immediate Release:
November 9, 2006

From Jeff Jones, Peoria SNAP leader, 815-985-9441

We are grateful that the Vatican has chosen to defrocked Fr. Thomas Miller, we hope that this will bring a measure of healing to his victims. Defrocking dangerous molesters is a first step not the last that any bishop should take. While this long overdue step may bring some comfort to the victims and their family members who have been hurt by Father Miller, it is important to remember that molesters are not cured and may still pose a serious threat to nearby children.

The bishop has a moral duty, we believe, to reach out aggressively to anyone who may have experienced, witnessed or suspected abuse by these predators. He should personally visit every parish where they worked to ask Catholics to ask their family members if they have been harmed by these abusers. The archdiocese recruited, educated, hired, ordained, supervised, transferred and shielded these predators for decades. Their obligation to warn parents about and protect children from these men does not end now.

Now more than ever we hope that victims of clergy sexual abuse will find the courage to come forward and report their crimes to the police and find the healing and justice they deserve.

For more information:

Jeff Jones, Peoria SNAP leader 815-985-9441

Barbara Blaine, SNAP President 312-399-4747

Barbara Dorris. SNAP Outreach Director 314-862-7688

Attorney Fred Nessler, Attorney for Victims, 217-698-0202